PRESS RELEASE COURTESY SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY

Speaking at the premiere of Sydney Dance Company's new production Mercury at Sydney Theatre in Walsh Bay, the Minister Assisting the Premier for the Arts, Virginia Judge, announced new funding of $237,000 to secure Sydney Theatre as Sydney Dance Company's performing home for the next three years.

In addition, the Company's Principal Sponsor Deutsche Bank also announced it would continue its support of the Company into 2010.

"Sydney Dance Company is one of Australia's best-loved and most successful contemporary dance companies," Ms Judge said. "Put simply the finest new dance works, created and commissioned by Rafael Bonachela, will now be seen here first, at Sydney Theatre, the new centre of innovation and dance creation in this expanding arts precinct."

Mr Julian Knights, Chair of Sydney Dance Company, thanked Mr. Chum Darvall, CEO of Deutsche Bank, for his personal commitment to the Company and the bank's ongoing support of Australia's premiere contemporary dance company, confirming Deutsche Bank's status as Platinum Partner.